Circle Canvas

I recently was on a favorite blog of mine and the blogger had recreated a canvas found here. Now, ordinarily I don't consider myself very artistic unless said project comes with detailed instructions (I'm type A, what can I say).  Thankfully, the blog I visited did just that.  I decided after my last art project that I would attempt to make my own version to hang above the island in our kitchen. 

I began by painting my canvas the color of the walls in our kitchen and dining room.  I figured I could get away with the same color since the canvas would be on the side of a white cabinet.  I also thought it would be a nice color to tie everything together. 

Then, I started just like she did and drew my lines after figuring out half of the diameter of my cup.  I moved on to tracing circles, which took forever and made me wish I'd picked something bigger like a coffee can.  (Okay, not really, but it did take a while- two episodes of Weeds to be exact.)   

Next up came painting.  I mixed my own colors, because although I don't consider myself artsy, I do have lots of paint.  After mixing up a half dozen of them, I went to work painting.  This is where I'd modify the instructions slightly.  The pencil smudged very easily.  If I were to do this project again, I'd spray the canvas with a sealer before adding the colors.  I painted seven "petals" with each of my half dozen colors, then mixed my next set of colors.  I ended up using eighteen colors in the end! 

 

When the paint was completely dry, I took the canvas outside and sprayed it with a sealer. 

This is the finished product. 

This project taught me that I can be somewhat creative and gave me the courage to try another project down the road.  I'm going to attempt to create a canvas for Owen's room, which we will be painting this next week.  Stay tuned!

Family Rules

I recently saw this on another blog (coincidentally, the blogger saw it here).  I wanted to make my own as soon as I saw it, but never made the time.  Fast forward to this week: David just finished painting the kitchen cabinets, replacing all the hardware, and even created a chalkboard for me. I decided I needed to make one for our kitchen as my contribution.

Our rules, if you're curious, are as follows:

Be kind

Have an open mind

Say I’m sorry

Dream big

Give thanks for magic moments

Live your life and forget your age

Family first

The only way to have a friend is to be one

Cherish joy & laughter

There is no mine in this family

Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile

The canvas is 12x24 and each piece of scrpbook paper was cut to 2 1/2 inches and layered to create 2 inch strips.  I used a combination of stickers and my Cricut for all the letters.  I did paint the canvas with a soft lime color because the sides will be seen when it is hung and because it ties all the papers together.  I used Mod Podge Satin so I can wipe it clean (and discovered it is my new favorite crafting product).     

Stay tuned for my next crafty creation, which will also go in the kitchen.